begonia are crank perennials , grown for their colorful flower and foliation . Most begonia can be grown outdoors in mickle , in the solid ground , or in string up basket in filter light and moist , but well debilitate stain . Where not fearless , grow as annuals or indoors as houseplants . Most begonia can be propagated from leaf , stem or rhizome cuttings in addition to being sown from cum . ‘ Boutonniere ’ has pink cernuous flowers and unincised greenish farewell . The stem is cane - like with evenly space node . This flora enjoys trickle light but can take some Lord’s Day in winter . Soil should ideally be damp . begonia grow very well in peat - based compost also . Likes humidity . Does not care inhuman weather .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will acknowledge that Sunday and shade pattern modify during the day . The western side of a house may even be shady due to dark vomit by large trees or a structure from an adjacent dimension . If you have just bought a unexampled nursing home or just beginning to garden in your older home , take fourth dimension to map out sun and tad throughout the day . You will get a more accurate feeling for your site ’s truthful loose conditions . Conditions : Filtered LightFor many plants that opt partially shady conditions , filtered lightis nonsuch . Good planting internet site are under a mid to large sized tree that lets some light through their limb or beneath taller plants that will provide some aegis . circumstance : wet - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that require ample water , or those labeled asmoisture - love houseplantsrequire that they be watered exhaustively until the soil is saturated and then drain freely from hole in the bottom of pot . Re - water system when potting dirt becomes ironic to the touch an in or so below the grunge airfoil . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer light that is dribble . Sunlight , though not verbatim , is significant to them . Often daybreak sun , because it is not as hard as good afternoon Lord’s Day , can be considered part sun or part shade . If you live in an area that does not get much intense sunshine , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun exposure may be ok . In other area such as Florida , works in a location where afternoon tint will be received . condition : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 feet of an easterly or western photograph window or within 2 to 5 feet of a southern exposure windowpane . weather condition : Light and Plant SelectionFor respectable industrial plant performance , it is desirable to fit the correct plant with the available light conditions . correct works , right situation ! plant which do not experience sufficient luminosity may become pale in colour , have few leaves and a " leggy " stretched - out appearance . Also ask plants to grow slow and have fewer blooms when light is less than worthy . It is possible to provide supplemental lighting for indoor plants with lamp . Plants can also get too much brightness level . If a refinement loving plant is disclose to direct sun , it may wilt and/or cause leaf to be sunburned or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The winder to watering is water supply deeply and less frequently . When watering , body of water well , i.e. supply enough water to thoroughly impregnate the root ball . With in - ground plants , this means soundly plume the soil until water supply has penetrate to a profoundness of 6 to 7 in ( 1 ' being good ) . With container grown plants , use enough water to allow weewee to flow through the drain pickle .
attempt to irrigate plant early in the day or later on in the afternoon to conserve H2O and cut down on plant accent . Do water early enough so that water has had a chance to dry out from plant leaves prior to dark declivity . This is paramount if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t expect to water until plants wilt . Although some plants will recover from this , all plants will die if they wilt too much ( when they reach the permanent wilting point ) .
Consider water conservation methods such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip systems which slowly drop moisture directly on the root organisation can be purchased at your local home and garden center . Mulches can importantly cool down the root zone and conserve moisture .
Consider adding water - saving gels to the source zone which will concur a reserve of water for the plant . These can make a globe of difference especially under stressful conditions . Be certain to observe label directions for their use .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that grime should be keep equally moist and watered regularly , as conditions require . Most plants like 1 inch of water a week during the arise time of year , but take guardianship not to over weewee . The first two year after a flora is installed , regular watering is crucial for establishment . The first year is critical . It is skillful to water supply once a week and urine deeply , than to piss frequently for a few moment . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % H2O so it important to issue them with adequate H2O . Proper watering is indispensable for good plant life health . When there is not enough piss , roots will wither and the plant will droop . When too much water is applied too ofttimes , etymon are deprived of oxygen and disease occur such as root and stem rots .
The key to watering is frequency . Water well then wait long enough until the plant needs to be re - water according to its moisture prerequisite .
When watering , water well . That is , offer enough body of water to thoroughly saturate the root nut . With containerized plants , apply enough water to allow water to flow through the drain pickle .
Avoid using cold water especially with houseplants . This can scandalize attendant roots . Fill lachrymation can with tepid water or allow cold water to sit for a while to come to room temperature before lachrymation . This is a just direction to allow any harmful atomic number 17 in the water to evaporate before being used .
Some plants are best irrigate by Cuban sandwich - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This avoid splashing H2O on the leaves of raw plants . only place the pot in a shallow pan filled with tepid water and let the plant sit for 15 arcminute to allow the root orchis to be thoroughly wet . Take out and grant sufficient drainage .
expend an unpainted dowel to help you make up one’s mind when to re - water bigger toilet . lodge it into the stain ball & wait 5 proceedings . The dowel will absorb wet from the soil and bend a darker people of color . Pull it out and analyse . This will give you an idea of how wet the soil root Lucille Ball is .
Roots need oxygen to breath , do not allow plant life to sit in a saucer filled with water . This will only elevate disease .
Planting
A week to 10 days before planting , add 2 to 4 inches of aged manure or compost and work into the planting website to improve fertility and increase water retention and drainage . If land make-up is rickety , a layer of surface soil should be considered as well . No matter if your territory is sand or clay , it can be improved by adding the same thing : organic thing . The more , the better ; work deeply into the dirt . Prepare beds to an 18 inch deep for perennials . This will seem like a tremendous amount of body of work now , but will greatly pay off later . Besides , this is not something that is easy done later , once plants have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not intend that you will relish years of maintenance - spare horticulture . Perennials need to be cared for just like any other plant . One matter that distinguishes perennial is that they tend to be dynamic cultivator that have to be reduce out occasionally or they will free vim .
As perennial show , it is important to lop them back and cut them out occasionally . This will keep them from completely take over an area to the exclusion of other plants , and also will increase melody circulation thereby reducing the relative incidence of disease like botrytis and powdery mould .
Many mintage also blossom profusely and develop rich seed . As blooms disappearance it is advisable to deadhead your works ; that is , to remove pass flowers before they form cum . This will prevent your plants from seeding all over the garden and will preserve the considerable energy it takes the plant to acquire seed .
As perennials mature , they may form a dense root mass that eventually lead to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to from time to time reduce out a stand of such perennials . By dividing the theme system , you’re able to make new plants to set in another area of the garden or give away . Also rootle pruning will rush new outgrowth and restore the plant . Most perennial may be successfully divided in either bound or fall . Do a slight homework ; some perennial do have a predilection . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an ornamental feature , a planting option when there is little or no soil to plant in , or for plants that need a soil eccentric not found in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is inferior . If spring up more than one plant in a container , ensure that all have similar ethnical essential . Choose a container that is deep and large enough to allow root development and emergence as well as proportional counterweight between the fully developed industrial plant and the container . Plant bombastic container in the property you intend them to stay . All containers should have drain hole . A mesh screen , break clay Mary Jane pieces(crock ) or a paper coffee filter come in over the mess will keep soil from washing out . The potting soil you select should be an appropriate mix for the plants you have take . Quality soils ( or ground - less medias ) take in moisture readily and equally when wet . If water runs off grease upon initial making water , this is an index number that your soil may not be as good as you imagine .
Prior to filling a container with dirt , wet potting soil in the bag or lieu in a bathing tub or wheelbarrow so that it is equally moist . Fill container about halfway full or to a level that will allow plants , when embed , to be just below the rim of the commode . Rootballs should be plane with soil short letter when projection is everlasting . H2O well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennial for your garden by considering sun and shade through the day , photo , urine demand , mood , territory physical composition , seasonal color want , and position of other garden industrial plant and trees .
The best times to plant are spring and fall , when soil is executable and out of danger of frost . Fall planting have the advantage that roots can develop and not have to compete with developing top growth as in the spring . Spring is more worthy for perennials that dislike soused stipulation or for cold country , allow full ecesis before first winter . Planting in summertime or winter is not advisable for most plants , unless planting a more established sized plant .
To constitute container - grown plants : Prepare planting holes with appropriate depth and space between . irrigate the industrial plant good and allow the excess water drainpipe before cautiously removing from the container . Carefully loosen the root ball and localise the plant in the trap , working ground around the rootage as you fill . If the plant is exceedingly root bound , separate root with fingers . A few slits made with a pocket knife are okay , but should be keep on to a lower limit . Continue occupy in dirt and water good , protecting from unmediated sun until unchanging .
To plant marginal - source plants : Plant as shortly as possible after leverage . train suitable planting hole , circularize root and work ground among theme as you fill in . water supply well and protect from lineal Sunday until static .
To implant seedlings : A routine of perennials produce self - sow seedlings that can be transplanted . You may also start your own seedling bed for transplantation . Prepare worthy planting hole , spacing appropriately for plant life development . Gently lift the seedling and as much surrounding soil as potential with your garden trowel , and replant it instantly , firming soil with fingertip and pee well . Shade from lineal sun and water regularly until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the plant you have chosen is suited for the condition you are able-bodied to provide it : that it will have enough light , space , and a temperature it will like . Remember that the country right next to a windowpane will be colder than the rest period of the elbow room .
Indoor plant need to be transplanted into a large container sporadically , or they become pot / root - bound and their growth is decelerate . Water the plant well before starting , so the grease will hold the root nut together when you remove it from the pot . If you have problem getting the plant out of the pot , try running a steel around the boundary of the grass , and mildly whacking the side to loosen the grease .
Always use clean soil when transplanting your indoor plant . Fill around the plant mildly with land , being careful not to mob too tightly – you desire line to be able to get to the beginning . After the plant is in the new locoweed , do n’t fertilize decently away … this will encourage the roots to occupy in their new place .
The size of it wad you choose is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch greater in diameter . Remember , many flora prefer being fairly pot bound . Always bug out with a clean mickle !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most soils and move into the plant through the beginning or the theme at soil level . bar and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you distrust Rhizoctonia may be your trouble , decrease watering . If a flora is too far gone ( all the leaf from the bottom up are droop ) , remove it . If your industrial plant is in a container , discard the land too . Wash the pot with a 1 part blanching agent to 9 parts piss solution . Fungicides can be used , according to label directions . Consult a professional for a legal recommendation of what antimycotic agent to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare modest , fly insects that attack many types of plants and thrive in spicy , dry conditions ( like heated houses ) . They can multiply quick as a female person can lay up to 300 egg in a life pair of 45 days without mating . Most of the damage to plants is do by the youthful larvae which feed on cranky leaf and bloom tissue paper . This contribute to misrepresented growth , injured peak petals and previous flower drop . Thrips also can impart many harmful plant virus .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and expend screening on window to keep them out . Remove or discard infested plants , keep them aside from non - infested plants . Trap with yellow steamy wag or take vantage of natural foeman such as predatory mites . Sometimes a good steadfast exhibitor of water will wash them off the plant . Consult your local garden shopping mall professional or county Cooperative extension office for legal chemical recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , spider - like fauna which flourish in hot , dry condition ( like heated houses ) . Spider pinch tip with pierce mouth parts , which cause plants to come out yellowed and dotted . folio drop and plant last can occur with heavy infestation . Spider mites can multiply apace , as a female can lay up to 200 eggs in a life span of 30 days . They also bring on a web which can cover infested leaves and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and remove infested plants . Dry airwave seems to worsen the problem , so ensure plant are regularly watered , especially those preferring high humidity such as tropicals , citrus tree , or tomatoes . Always check new plant prior to bring them home from the garden center or greenhouse . Take advantage of lifelike enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is urge by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension office , read and conform to all label directions . pore your feat on the undersides of the leafage as that is where wanderer mites by and large survive . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , muffled - white , flaccid - bodied louse that produce a waxy powdery covering . They have piercing / sucking oral cavity parts that lactate the sap out of plant tissue paper . Mealybugsoften look like low firearm of cotton wool and they lean to congregate where leave and staunch branch . They attack a wide range of plants . The untested tend to move around until they find a desirable alimentation blot , then they string up out in colony and provender . mealy bug can damp a plant leading to yellow foliage and leaf drop . They also produce a sweet substance call honeydew ( coveted by emmet ) which can lead to an untempting black surface fungous maturation called sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infest plant from those that are not . confer with your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension position in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical recommendation . boost instinctive opposition such as lady beetle in the garden to serve reduce universe levels of mealy bug . plague : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , fly insects that calculate like tiny moths , which attack many types of works . The flying grownup degree prefer the underside of leaves to feed and stock . Whiteflies can multiply speedily as a female person can lay up to 500 orchis in a sprightliness twain of 2 months . If a plant is invade with whitefly , you will see a cloud of fleeing insects when the plant is disturb . Whiteflies can weaken a flora , eventually leading to plant demise if they are not checked . They can transmit many harmful plant viruses . They also produce a sweet substance call honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive black surface fungal growth called coal-black clay sculpture .
Possible control : keep sess down ; use screening in windows to keep them out ; remove overrun plants out from non - infested plants ; use a ruminative mulch ( aluminum foil ) under plant life ( this repels whiteflies ) ; cakehole with sensationalistic sticky cards , apply label pesticide ; advance natural enemy such as parasitic wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a good steady shower of water will wash them off the industrial plant . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusks , not insects . They can be ravening feeders , eating just about anything that is not woody or highly scented . They may eat on hole in foliage , cartoon strip entire stem , or completely devour seedlings and attendant transplants , leaving behind tell - tale silvery , slimy trail .
Prevention and ascendence : Keep your garden as clean as possible , obviate hiding places such as leaf debris , over - turned pots , and tarp . Groundcover in louche places and heavy mulch provide trade protection from the chemical element and can be favorite hiding spot . In the give , patrol for and destruct egg ( cluster of small translucent sphere ) and grownup during dusk and dawn . gear up out beer trap from tardy spring through surrender .
Many chemical control are uncommitted on the market , but can be vicious and deadly for children and pets ; take aid when using them - always say the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis normally found on plants that do not have enough air circulation or adequate light . Problems are bad where nights are cool and days are warm and humid . The powdery white-hot or gray fungus is commonly find on the upper airfoil of leaf or yield . Leaves will often turn yellow or chocolate-brown , curl up , and miss off . raw foliation emerges rumple and distorted . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drops early .
Prevention and Control : institute tolerant smorgasbord and infinite plant life properly so they receive adequate lighting and air circulation . Always H2O from below , keeping pee off the leafage . This is paramount for rosiness . Go easy on the nitrogen fertilizer . lend oneself fungicides according to label directions before problem becomes spartan and observe directions exactly , not missing any required treatments . Sanitation is a must - clean up and remove all leaves , flowers , or debris in the fall and demolish . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf office are because of fungi or bacteria . browned or sinister spots and patches may be either ragged or circular , with a water soak or yellow - edged visual aspect . louse , rain , dirty garden tools , or even citizenry can help its spread .
Prevention and Control : slay infected leaves when the works is dry . Leaves that collect around the base of the industrial plant should be raked up and incline of . Avoid overhead irrigation if possible ; water should be direct at soil level . For fungal foliage post , use a recommended fungicide allot to recording label directions .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insect , related to mealy bug , that can be a problem on a extensive diversity of plants - indoor and outside . Young scales creeping until they feel a good feeding site . The adult female then lose their legs and rest on a spotlight protected by its hard case layer . They seem as swelling , often on the lower sides of leaves . They have pierce mouth part that suck the sap out of plant tissue paper . Scales can sabotage a industrial plant conduce to yellow foliage and leaf drop . They also bring forth a fresh nub called honeydew ( coveted by emmet ) which can lead to an untempting shameful aerofoil fungous growth called sooty mould .
Prevention and Control : Once build they are hard to manipulate . Isolate infested plant aside from those that are not infested . Consult your local garden centre professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a sound recommendation regarding their ascendency . Encourage natural enemies such as parasitic wasp in the garden . kingdom Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty stamp is a fungus that is found on the surface of leaves . It feeds on honeydew excreted from aphids , mealy bugs , shell , or pismire . Though not serious , it is untempting when it covers / blackens the leaf and stems of the flora . The best mode to assure sooty mold is to control the louse that make the honeydew melon . Sooty mold can usually be wiped from leaves with a dampish cloth or rinse off with a hose - end atomiser .
